Volunteer Coordinator

Dublin Zoo holds the prestigious position of being one of Ireland's top Family Attractions for almost 200 years. We are a conservation charity. Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature - one person, one family at a time.

All members of the Dublin Zoo team are expected to be champions of our CARE Values: we Care, we are A Team, we are Respectful and we are Excellent.

We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and passionate Volunteer Coordinator who will be responsible for leading, coordinating and growing the Volunteer Programme at Dublin Zoo in line with the conservation engagement priorities set out in Dublin Zoo’s Conservation Education Masterplan.

The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day coordinating of a team of highly dedicated and passionate volunteers, ensuring professional delivery of all volunteer activities and that volunteers are supported to carry out their duties. They will support the Head of Conservation Education in developing systems for recognising and measuring the impact and value of the volunteer programme and developing volunteer activities that support Dublin Zoo’s on-site visitor engagement and social action campaigns. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Responsible for the day-to-day supervision, leadership and performance of a team of volunteers to achieve high quality team performance, promoting a harmonious, safe and supportive volunteering environment.

·       Support the Head of Conservation Education in the development of volunteering activities in line with Dublin Zoo’s Conservation Education Masterplan.

·       Carry out pre-shift briefings for the morning and afternoon shifts to ensure that all volunteers are fully briefed and equipped for their duties.

·       Plan for volunteer activities for weekdays and weekends, including responding to the requirements of the zoo, monitoring availability and maintaining the volunteer roster.

·       Lead the volunteer recruitment and induction programme including delivering training modules, development of training resources and broadening the programme to reach underrepresented groups.

·       Ensure professional delivery of all volunteer activities in line with high standards of visitor engagement, Dublin Zoo’s brand guidelines, Dublin Zoo’s 2026 Guide to Volunteering Handbook and the Conservation Education Masterplan.

·       Seek out opportunities for continuous professional development for volunteers including on-duty upskilling and refresher training to ensure that volunteers feel supported to deliver Dublin Zoo’s conservation message.

·       Develop and maintain records on volunteers and oversee systems for generating and reporting data on volunteer activities, impact and attendance.

·       Ensure volunteers are kept up to date weekly with rosters and zoo news.

·       Support the Head of Conservation Education in developing systems for measuring the impact of the volunteer programme.

·       Collect volunteer feedback using a range of methods to ensure the programme is fulfilling the needs and expectations of volunteers and that they feel supported to carry out their duties.

·       Plan and deliver recognition events for volunteers and support the ongoing recognition of the work of volunteers internally and externally.

·       Work with department colleagues on volunteer activities that support the social action campaign work of Dublin Zoo.

·       Ensure that all volunteers adhere to the Dublin Zoo Volunteer Terms and Conditions.

·       Keep up to date with current legislation and guidance for managing and engaging volunteers and ensure correct implementation.

·       Adhere to GDPR and other relevant legislation in relation to the secure storage of volunteer records.

·       Deliver on the Garda Vetting Officer duties for Dublin Zoo.

·       Keep up to date with developments in conservation, sustainability, public engagement and volunteering, and maintain a creative and innovative approach towards generating new ideas and reviewing existing activities so the volunteer programme remains relevant, engaging and of high standard.

·       Report weekly and monthly on volunteer programmes and activities.

·       Observe and ensure the implementation of the highest Health and Safety standards on all volunteer activities.

·       Collaborate on research projects relevant to the development of the volunteer programme. 

·       Demonstrate a genuine interest in the zoo’s work and purpose, together with a flexible approach to working duties and hours.

·       Perform other duties as assigned which will arise from time to time to support the success of the full Conservation Education department.